Why so much hype?

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

I'm not sure why but I always like this movie more than the person I'm watching it with. I've seen it multiple times and I love it every time. I believe that happens when you really like the acting and character development in a film. To me the acting was very well done. The story is great, nothing that hasn't been done before, but still a story I enjoy each time. Worth a look.

The Family Man is a Brett Ratner Christmas time drama movie starring Nicholas Cage, Tea Leoni, and Don Cheadle. I've always adored this great movie for a number of reasons. First of all, the cast and their performances. Cage and Leoni will both really move you deeply with their performances. Cage can be both funny and very serious depending on what's going on at the time in this movie, and he's impressive at both kinds of acting. Tea Leoni is also pretty versatile in her performance, she has some funny lines and scenes, but overall the dramatic side of her acting is the main part of her performance. And Don Cheadle's job is to play a somewhat likable angel who sends Jack (Nicholas Cage) on this incredible journey. And his portrayal of the angel is pretty good, I mean it doesn't as much really serious scenes as Leoni and Cage's roles do, but even still he tackles what is necessary and does it well. I loved the script here, it's written with so much heart and real emotion. You can really feel the pain/love in these characters, and that's due to both the actors performances and the impeccably written script. The movie has scenes where you'll be laughing and scenes where you will almost cry and you'll pull so hard for these characters to end up happy and fulfilled in the end. I love the ending, it just sums the whole thing up so well. I suggest everyone experience this great film! You won't regret it :). 10/10.

Family Man (2000): Dir: Brett Ratner / Cast: Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Makenzie Vega: Depressing version of It's a Wonderful Life where an individual who is not family becomes family. It stars Nicolas Cage as a financial executive who is given a glimpse of his life had he married his college girlfriend. He encounters an angel who just happens to be pulling a gun at the corner store. Could this really be one of God's angels? Holding up convenient stores just doesn't seem ideal. Anyway, Cage claims that he is satisfied with his current life but the angel sends him into the life he never had, which included marriage, children and suburban life. It's a Wonderful Life gains its points by being pleasant, while this modern day version is watered down with its pushy theme and an ending that doesn't work because Cage is expressing experiences that Leoni never lived. Interesting choice by director Brett Ratner who previously had success with Rush Hour. Fine chemistry between Cage and Tea Leoni that works better than anything else in the film. Don Cheadle's angel is a distraction as this warped angel that is perhaps the single worst element of the film. Message stresses the importance of family but it only feels like a modern remake of a film that is far more wonderful. Watch the far superior It's a Wonderful Life and see the difference. Score: 4 / 10

This movie depicts a man who has it all. A high paying job, an amazing apartment, an amazing car, and the opportunity to sleep with any woman he pleases. What if....after an angel shows him what his life would've been if he made one last minute snap decision that would change it all. what if he could have the other end of the "American dream". Jack Campbell must go through the journey of finding out that there is more to life than making money. Personally I HATED it. Instead of Jack making the best of the situation he goes into a hole of self loathing, and the loathing of all those around him. He blames everything wrong in his life on his wife. He does finally "enjoy himself" only to be thrust back into his old life....pretty pointless right? I mean Why him? and what is he supposed to do? chase after the one that got away? procreate the children that wont exist anyway? He fell in love with the life in his "glimpse" and wont love the one he can create. Nice way to make a person who is happy miserable, then happy and then even more miserable...then when they realize it is far too late probably suicidal... Merry Christmas Jack Campbell I hope you enjoyed the ride.